Children could be more vulnerable to catching the new mutant coronavirus.
Public Health England and the Government’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats advisory group (NervTag) said the new variant has been spreading quicker among children than its predecessor.
NervTag member Prof Neil Ferguson, whose modelling sparked the first UK lockdown, said schools may have to stay closed in some areas in January.
He said there are now growing “hotspots” of the variant, known as VUI- 202012/01, in Cumbria and South Wales.
Children were known to be less susceptible to catching coronavirus but scientists now believe this may not be the case for the new variant.
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She said: “We know this emerged as a virus was not as efficient at infecting children, as it was adults.
“That would put children on a more level playing field if you like.
Experts have identified 22 changes to the genome which may help it more easily infect people.
Prof Ferguson, of Imperial College London, said he still expected the outbreak to shrink over Christmas while much of the country is locked down.
He said: “The real question then is, how much are we able to relax measures in the new year and still retain control.”
He added that transmission will be monitored among children while schools are closed before a decision is made on when to reopen.
“It is going to be difficult no doubt about that,” he said
“But it’s too early to say precisely what additional measures might be needed.”
